Configurable Lighting System

ABSTRACT

A luminaire can include a power supply that receives AC mains power from a power source and delivers intermediate power, and can also include a lumen control module coupled to the power supply, where the lumen control module receives the intermediate power from the power source. The lumen control module can include at least one first switch that has multiple positions, and multiple resistors coupled to the at least one first switch, where each position of the at least one first switch corresponds to a resistance of the resistors, where the intermediate power received by the resistors is translated to a current level of a plurality of current levels based on the resistance. The luminaire can also include at least one light source coupled to the lumen control module, where the at least one light source emits a lumen output based on the current level received from the lumen control module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/435,141, titled “ConfigurableLighting System” and filed on Feb. 16, 2017, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/297,424 filed Feb. 19, 2016,in the name of Steven Walter Pyshos and Raymond Janik and entitled“Configurable Lighting System”. The entire contents of theseaforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the technology relate generally to lighting systems andmore specifically to lighting systems that can be readily configured toproduce illumination of different color temperatures.

BACKGROUND

For illumination applications, light emitting diodes (LEDs) offersubstantial potential benefit associated with their energy efficiency,light quality, and compact size. However, to realize the full potentialbenefits offered by light emitting diodes, new technologies are needed.

With luminaires that incorporate incandescent or fluorescent technology,some flexibility can be obtained by swapping lamps to meet userpreferences. In such luminaires, lamp selection can provide flexibilityin terms of correlated color temperature (CCT or color temperature) andlight output (lumen output). For example, a compact fluorescentdownlight might accept 6-, 32-, and 42-watt lamps in 2700, 3000, and3500 K CCT. Additionally, changing lamp position and focal point in areflector of an incandescent or fluorescent fixture can change thefixture spacing criteria (SC) of a luminaire.

In contrast, conventional light-emitting-diode-based luminairestypically offer reduced flexibility when the luminaire'slight-emitting-diode-based light source is permanently attached to theluminaire. Stocking conventional light-emitting-diode-based luminairesat distribution to accommodate multiple configurations that users maydesire can entail maintaining a relatively large or cumbersomeinventory.

Need is apparent for a technology to provide a light emitting diodesystem that can adapt to various applications, for example by deliveringmultiple color temperatures, multiple lumens, and/or multiplephotometric distributions. Need further exists for a capability toenable a single luminaire to be stocked at distribution and then quicklyconfigured according to application parameters and deployment dictates.Need further exists for luminaires that are both energy efficient andflexible. A capability addressing one or more such needs, or some otherrelated deficiency in the art, would support improved illuminationsystems and more widespread utilization of light emitting diodes inlighting applications.

SUMMARY

In some aspects of the disclosure, a system can configure a luminairefor providing illumination of a selected color temperature, a selectedlumen output, or a selected photometric distribution based on an input.The input may be field selectable or may be selectable at a distributioncenter or at a late stage of luminaire manufacture, for example.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the luminaire can comprise at leasttwo light sources having different color temperatures. In a firstconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a first colortemperature using a first one of the light sources. In a secondconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a second colortemperature using a second one of the light sources. In a thirdconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a third colortemperature using both of the first and second the light sources. Thethird color temperature may be between the first and second colortemperatures. The value of the third color temperature within a rangebetween the first and second color temperatures can be controlled bymanipulating the relative amounts of light output by the first andsecond light sources. That is, adjusting the lumen outputs of the firstand second light sources can define the color temperature of theillumination produced by the luminaire in the third configuration.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the luminaire can comprise at leasttwo light sources having different lumen outputs. In a firstconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a first lumenoutput using a first one of the light sources. In a secondconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a second lumenoutput using a second one of the light sources. In a thirdconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a third lumenoutput using both of the first and second light sources.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the luminaire can comprise at leasttwo light sources having different photometric distributions. In a firstconfiguration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a firstphotometric distribution using a first one of the light sources. In asecond configuration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a secondphotometric distribution using a second one of the light sources. In athird configuration, the luminaire can produce illumination of a thirdphotometric distribution using both of the first and second lightsources.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a circuit and an associated input tothe circuit can configure a luminaire for providing illumination havinga selected property, for example a selected color temperature, aselected lumen output, or a selected photometric distribution. The inputcan be settable to a first number of states. The circuit can map thefirst number of states into a second number of states that is less thanthe first number of states. For example, the input can have four statesand the circuit can map these four states into three states. The threestates can correspond to three different values of the illuminationproperty, for example three different color temperatures, threedifferent lumen outputs, or three different photometric distributions.

The foregoing discussion of controlling illumination is for illustrativepurposes only. Various aspects of the present disclosure may be moreclearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following textand by reference to the associated drawings and the claims that follow.Other aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects ofthe present disclosure will become apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following drawings and text. It is intended thatall such aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objectsare to be included within this description and covered by thisapplication and by the appended claims of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K (collectivelyFIG. 1) illustrate views of a luminaire in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a circuit that aluminaire can comprise in accordance with some example embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a state table for a circuit that a luminaire cancomprise in accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a circuit that a luminaire cancomprise in accordance with some example embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a system diagram of a light fixture in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a circuit board assembly of a light fixturewith lumen control in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a system that includes a light fixture and a lumencontrol module in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a computing device in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the above drawings. The drawings illustrate only example embodimentsand are therefore not to be considered limiting of the embodimentsdescribed, as other equally effective embodiments are within the scopeand spirit of this disclosure. The elements and features shown in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead beingplaced upon clearly illustrating principles of the embodiments.Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated tohelp visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, similarreference numerals among different figures designate like orcorresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In some example embodiments of the disclosure, a luminaire can comprisemultiple groups of light emitting diodes of different color temperaturesand a constant current power supply for powering the light emittingdiodes. The power supply can utilize a switching scheme that can turneach group of light emitting diodes on and off to change the colortemperature of the luminaire. In some example embodiments, the powersupply can further vary the relative intensities of the light emittingdiodes to manipulate the color temperature of the luminaire within arange.

For example, the luminaire can comprise a 3,000 K group of lightemitting diodes and a 4,000 K group of light emitting diodes. When onlythe 3,000 K group is on, the luminaire can deliver 3,000 K illumination.When only the 4,000 K group is on, the luminaire can deliver 4,000 Killumination. When the 3,000 K group and the 4,000 K group are both on,the luminaire can deliver 3,500 K illumination. If the 4,000 K group oflight emitting diodes is concurrently operated at a low lumen output andthe 3,000 K group is operated at a high lumen output, the luminaire maydeliver illumination of another selected color temperature, for example3,100 K.

In some example embodiments, a controller can adjust lumen outputautomatically to maintain constant delivered lumens across multiplecolor temperatures or to suit application requirements. The controllerimplements the adjustment utilizing programmable driver current and/orvia turning on and off various groups of light emitting diodes.Configurable color temperature or lumen output can function incombination with integral dimming, for example to facilitate interfacewith building automation, sensors, and dimmers.

In some example embodiments, luminaires can achieve an additional levelof flexible configuration at a distribution center using interchangeableoptics. For example, primary optics can provide medium distribution(e.g. spacing criteria equals 1.0), while a diffuser or concentratorlens can be used to achieve wide distribution (e.g. spacing criteriaequals 1.4), and narrow distribution (e.g. spacing criteria equals 0.4).

In some example embodiments, a luminaire's configuration of deliveredlumens and color temperatures can be set at the factory, atdistribution, or in the field. To meet current and emerging codecompliance, performance markings on a luminaire can indicate andcorrespond to the desired setting. Economical, field-installednameplates can identify the various electrical and optical performanceratings and, when installed, permanently program the delivered lumensand color temperature. Other settings, such as dimming protocols, canlikewise be configured. The interface between the nameplate and internallogic can use mechanical, electrical or optical means, for example.

Accordingly, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the technologyprovides product markings and supports regulatory compliance. Forexample, nameplates can indicate energy codes and rebate opportunities,for compliance with product labeling and to facilitate complianceconfirmation by local authorities who may have jurisdiction. Further,luminaires that include example switches can be subject to meetingcertain standards and/or requirements. For example, UnderwritersLaboratories (UL), the National Electric Code (NEC), the NationalElectrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communication Commission(FCC), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), and the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as toluminaires. Use of example embodiments described herein meet (and/orallow a corresponding luminaire to meet) such standards when required.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown orlabeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component inanother figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if acomponent in a figure is labeled but not described, the description forsuch component can be substantially the same as the description for thecorresponding component in another figure. Further, a statement that aparticular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not havea particular feature or component does not mean, unless expresslystated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature orcomponent. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein,a feature or component that is described as not being included in anexample embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capableof being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one ormore particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of configurable lighting systems will be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich example embodiments of configurable lighting systems are shown.Configurable lighting systems may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of configurable lighting systems to those ofordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements(also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted bylike reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, “top”,“bottom”, “side”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish onecomponent (or part of a component or state of a component) from another.Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particularorientation, and are not meant to limit embodiments of configurablelighting systems. In the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilycomplicating the description.

Referring now to FIG. 1, multiple views of the luminaire 100 are shown.FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of the luminaire 100. FIG.1B illustrates a top perspective view of the luminaire 100. FIG. 1Cillustrates a view of the light-emitting bottom of the luminaire 100,showing a lens 120 in a light-emitting aperture 115 of the luminaire100. FIG. 1D illustrates a view of the light-emitting bottom of theluminaire 100 with the lens 120 removed from the light-emitting aperture115 of the luminaire. FIG. 1E illustrates a view of the light-emittingbottom of the luminaire 100 with the lens 120 and an associatedreflector 130 removed from the light-emitting aperture 115 of theluminaire. FIG. 1F illustrates a cutaway perspective view of theluminaire 100. FIG. 1G illustrates another cutaway perspective view ofthe luminaire 100. FIG. 1H illustrates another cutaway view of theluminaire 100. FIGS. 1I, 1J, and 1K provide detailed views of a portionof the luminaire 100 comprising a cover 126 and an associated accessaperture 129 for providing internal access to the luminaire 100. In FIG.1I, the cover 126 is fully removed. In FIG. 1J, the cover 126 ispositioned adjacent the access aperture 129, for example in connectionwith attachment or removal of the cover 126. In FIG. 1K, the cover 126is attached to the luminaire 100.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the illustrated exampleluminaire 100 is suited for inserting in an aperture in a ceiling toprovide overhead lighting. In this example embodiment, the luminaire 100can be characterized as an overhead light or a recessed ceiling light.Various other indoor and outdoor luminaires that may be mounted in awide range of orientations can be substituted for the luminaire 100illustrated in FIG. 1.

The illustrated example luminaire 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a housing 105that is circular with a protruding trim 110 that extendscircumferentially about the housing 105. When the luminaire 100 isinstalled in a ceiling aperture, the rim 100 circumscribes and coversthe edge of the ceiling aperture for aesthetics, for support, and forblocking of debris from above the ceiling. Hanger clips 102 hold theluminaire 100 in place in installation.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1I, 1J, and 1K, the example luminaire 100comprises an access aperture 129 and an associated cover 126. The accessaperture 129 provides access to the interior of the luminaire housing105, for example in the field and/or during luminaire installation. Aninstaller can remove the cover 126 and manually set a dual inline pin(DIP) switch 131 to configure the luminaire 100 for long-term operationproviding illumination with a selected color temperature, a selectedlumen output, and/or a selected photometric distribution. Asillustrated, the dual inline pin switch 131 is mounted on a circuitboard adjacent the access aperture 129, thereby facilitating convenientand efficient access in the field or at a distribution center, forexample.

An electrical cable 127 extends through a wiring aperture 103 in thecover 126. The electrical cable 127 terminates in a plug 132 that mateswith a receptacle 133 that is mounted inside the housing 105 adjacentthe access aperture 129 for convenient field access.

As illustrated, the example cover 126 comprises two notches 123, 124that each receives a respective screw 128 for holding the cover 126 inplace. The notch 123 is disposed on the right side of the cover 126 andis sized to receive one of the screws 128. Meanwhile, the notch 124 isdisposed on a left side of the cover 126 and is sized to receive theother screw 128.

The left notch 124 and the right notch 123 are oriented so that thecover 126 is rotatable about the right screw 128 when the right screw128 is loosely disposed in the right notch 123. In other words, coverrotation can occur when the right screw 128 is in the right notch 123with threads engaged but prior to tightening. In this position, thecover 126 can rotate clockwise about the right screw 128. Thus, theright screw 128 provides an axis of rotation for the cover 126. Thisclockwise rotation facilitates convenient manipulation of the cover 126by a person working the cover 126 to cover the access aperture 129, withthe screws 128 engaged but not fully tightened. The clockwise rotationof the cover 126 about the right screw 128 provides the person with acapability to slide the left notch 124 of the cover 126 convenientlyunder the head of the left screw 128. Once the cover 126 is rotated sothe left notch 124 is under the head of the left screw 128, the person(for example an installer) can tighten the two screws 128 to secure thecover 126.

To remove the cover 126, the person loosens the two screws 128 and thenrotates the cover 126 counterclockwise about the right screw 128 so thatthe left notch 124 moves out from under the head of the left screw 128.Once the left notch 124 is free from the left screw 128, the installercan pull the right notch 123 out from under the right screw 128 to fullyremove the cover 126.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1F, and 1G, the lens 120 ofthe luminaire 100 is positioned adjacent the lower, exit side of thelight-emitting aperture 115. As illustrated, the lens 120 can mix andblend light emitted by two groups of light emitting diodes 150, 155,with each group having a different color temperature. In someembodiments, the two groups of light emitting diodes 150, 155 may havecolor temperatures that differ by at least 500 Kelvin, for example. Thegroup of light emitting diodes 150 can be characterized as one lightemitting diode light source, while the group of light emitting diodes155 can be characterized as another light emitting diode light source.Other embodiments of a light emitting diode light source may have asingle light emitting diode or more light emitting diodes than theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. A reflector 130 is disposed in andlines the aperture 115 to guide and manage the emitted light between thelight emitting diodes 150, 155 and the lens 120. In some embodiments, anupper lens (not illustrated) replaces the reflector 130.

The light emitting diodes 150, 155 are mounted on a substrate 125, forexample a circuit board, and form part of a circuit 200. In theillustrated embodiment, the light emitting diodes 150, 155 areinterspersed. In other embodiments, the light emitting diodes 150, 155may be separated from one another or spatially segregated according tocolor temperature or other appropriate parameter. As discussed infurther detail below, the circuit 200 supplies electricity to the lightemitting diodes 150, 155 with a level of flexibility that facilitatesmultiple configurations suited to different applications andinstallation parameters.

Turning to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, some example embodiments of the circuit200 will be discussed in further detail with example reference to theluminaire 100. The circuit 200 can be applied to other indoor andoutdoor luminaires.

Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates an embodiment of thecircuit 200 in an example block diagram form. The circuit 200 comprisesa DC power supply 205 for supplying electrical energy that the circuit200 delivers to the light emitting diodes 150, 155. In an exampleembodiment, the circuit 200 comprises a light emitting diode driver.

The dual inline pin switch 131 comprises individual switches 210 thatprovide an input for configuring the luminaire 100 to operate at aselected color temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit200 comprises two manual switches 210. Other embodiments may have feweror more switches 210. In various embodiments, the switches 210 can bemounted to the housing 105 of the luminaire 100, for example within thehousing 105 (as illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed above) or on anexterior surface of the housing 105. In some embodiments, the switches210 are mounted on the substrate 125. In some embodiments, the switches210 are implemented via firmware or may be solid state.

As an alternative to the illustrated dual inline pin switch 131, theinput can comprise multiple DIP switches, one or more single in-line pinpackages (SIP or SIPP), one or more rocker switches, one or more reedswitches, one or more magnetic switches, one or more rotary switches,one or more rotary dials, one or more selectors or selector switches,one or more slide switches, one or more snap switches, one or morethumbwheels, one or more toggles or toggle switches, one or more keys orkeypads, or one or more buttons or pushbuttons, to mention a fewrepresentative examples without limitation.

As further discussed below, a controller 215 operates the light emittingdiodes 150, 155 according to state of the switches 210. In some exampleembodiments, the controller 215 comprises logic implemented in digitalcircuitry, for example discrete digital components or integratedcircuitry. In some example embodiments, the controller 215 utilizesmicroprocessor-implemented logic with instructions stored in firmware orother static or non-transitory memory.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outputs of the controller 215 areconnected to two metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors(MOSFETs) 160 to control electrical flow through two light emittingdiodes 150, 155. The illustrated MOSFETs 160 provide one example and canbe replaced with other appropriate current control devices or circuitsin various embodiments. The switches 210 thus configure the luminaire100 to operate with either or both of the light emitting diodes 150,155. The light emitting diodes 150, 155 illustrated in FIG. 2 mayrepresent two single light emitting diodes or two groups of lightemitting diodes, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative table 300 describing operation ofthe circuit 100 according to some example embodiments. In the example ofFIG. 3, the light emitting diode 150 produces light having a colortemperature of 3,000 Kelvin, and the light emitting diode 155 produceslight having a color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin.

As shown in the example table 300, when both of the switches 210 are inthe on state, the controller 215 causes the light emitting diode 155 tobe off and the light emitting diode 150 to be on. Accordingly, theluminaire 100 emits illumination having a color temperature of 3,000Kelvin.

When both of the switches 210 are in the off state, the controller 215causes the light emitting diode 155 to be on and the light emittingdiode 150 to be off. Accordingly, the luminaire 100 emits illuminationhaving a color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin.

When one of the switches 210 is in the off state and the other of theswitches 210 is on the on state, the controller 215 causes the lightemitting diode 155 to be on and the light emitting diode 150 to be on.The luminaire 100 thus emits illumination having a color temperature of3,500 Kelvin. In some other example embodiments, the controller 215 canadjust the light output of one or both of the light emitting diodes 150,155 to set the color temperature to a specific value with the range of3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin.

Accordingly, the controller 215 maps the four configurations of the twoswitches 210 to three states for configuring the two light emittingdiodes 150, 155 for permanent or long-term operation. Mapping two switchconfigurations to a single mode of long-term operation can simplifyconfiguration instructions and reduce errors during field configuration.The resulting configurations support multiple color temperatures ofillumination from a single luminaire 100.

Some example embodiments support fewer or more than three states ofillumination. For example, in one embodiment, the luminaire 100comprises three strings of light emitting diodes 150 that have differentcolor temperatures, such as 3,000 Kelvin, 2,700 Kelvin, and 4,000Kelvin. In this example, in addition to the states illustrated in FIG. 3and discussed above, the switching logic can support a fourth state inwhich only the 2,700 Kelvin string is on.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of an example embodiment of the circuit200. The schematic of FIG. 4 provides one example implementation of theblock diagram illustrated in FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 in schematic form, the circuit 200 conforms tothe foregoing discussion of the block diagram format of FIG. 3. In FIG.4, the light emitting diodes 150, 155 of FIG. 3 are respectivelyrepresented with groups of light emitting diodes 150, 155. Additionally,the schematic details include a thermal protective switch 305 forguarding against overheating. FIG. 4 thus provides one example schematicfor an embodiment of the electrical system of the luminaire 100illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed above.

Example embodiments can also be used to control one or more othercharacteristics of the output of a light fixture, in addition to oraside from CCT. For instance, example embodiments can be used to controllumen output of a light fixture. FIG. 5 shows a system diagram of such alight fixture 502 in accordance with certain example embodiments.Referring to FIGS. 1A-5, the light fixture 502 of FIG. 5 includes apower supply 540, an example control module 504, and one or more lightsources 542. The power supply 540 and the light sources 542 of FIG. 5are described in more detail below with respect to the power supply 740and the light sources 742 of FIG. 7A.

The example control module 504 can include one or more of a number ofcomponents. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the control module 504 caninclude a switch 570 and multiple resistors 575 coupled in series withthe switch 570 and in parallel with each other. In this case, there areN resistors 575 (e.g., resistor 575-1, resistor 575-N). The switch 570can be a single switch or multiple switches. The switch 570 and theresistors 575 of FIG. 5 are described in more detail below with respectto the switch 770 and the resistors 775 of FIG. 7B. The communicationlinks 505 between the power supply 540, the switch 570, the resistors575, and the light sources 542 are also described in more detail belowwith respect to the communication links 505 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a circuit board assembly 690 of a lightfixture with lumen control in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1A-6, the circuit board assembly 690 ofFIG. 6 includes a circuit board 679 on which a number of discretecomponents are disposed. For example, in this case, the circuit board679 has three resistors 675, a switch 670, a number of communicationlinks 605 in the form of traces, and a number of light sources 642. Asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 5, the resistors 675, the switch670, the communication links 605, and the light sources 642 of FIG. 6are described in more detail below with respect to their counterparts ofFIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a lighting system 700 that includes a light fixture702 having a control module 704 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. The lighting system 700 can include a power source 795, auser 750, a network manager 780, and the light fixture 702. In additionto the control module 704 (also sometimes called a lumen control module704), the light fixture 702 can include a power supply 740, a number oflight sources 742, and one or more optional sensors 760. The lumencontrol module 704 controls the amount of power (e.g., current) that isdelivered to the light sources 742, thereby controlling the lumen outputof the light sources 742. This function performed by the control module704 can sometimes be referred to as current steering or current routing.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the control module 704 can include one or more of anumber of components. Such components, can include, but are not limitedto, a controller 706, an isolated driver 707, a communication module708, a timer 710, an energy metering module 711, a power module 712, astorage repository 730, a hardware processor 720, a memory 722, atransceiver 724, an application interface 726, one or more switches 770,multiple resistors 775, and, optionally, a security module 728. Thecomponents shown in FIG. 7B are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments,one or more of the components shown in FIG. 7B may not be included in anexample light fixture. Any component of the example light fixture 702can be discrete or combined with one or more other components of thelight fixture 702.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7B, a user 750 may be any person that interactswith light fixtures (e.g., light fixture 702) and/or example controlmodules (e.g., control module 704). Examples of a user 750 may include,but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentationand controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a property manager, ahomeowner, a tenant, an employee, a consultant, a contractor, and amanufacturer's representative. The user 750 can use a user system (notshown), which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). The user 750interacts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) the controlmodule 704 of the light fixture 702 via the application interface 726(described below). The user 750 can also interact with a network manager780, the power source 795, and/or one or more of the sensors 760.Interaction between the user 750, the light fixture 702, the networkmanager 780, and the sensors 760 can be conducted using communicationlinks 705.

Each communication link 705 can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electricalcables, Class 2 electrical cables, Ethernet cables, electricalconnectors, electrical conductors and/or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visiblelight communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LowEnergy (BLE), Zigbee, WirelessHART, ISA100, Power Line Carrier, RS485,DALI) technology. For example, a communication link 705 can be (orinclude) a wireless link between the control module 704 and the user750. The communication link 705 can transmit signals (e.g., powersignals, communication signals, control signals, data) between the lightfixture 702 and the user 750, the power source 795, the network manager780, and/or one or more of the sensors 760.

The network manager 780 is a device or component that controls all or aportion (e.g., a communication network) of the system 700 that includesthe control module 704 of the light fixture 702, the power source 795,the user 750, and the sensors 760. The network manager 780 can besubstantially similar to the control module 704, or portions thereof, asdescribed below. For example, the network manager 780 can include acontroller. Alternatively, the network manager 780 can include one ormore of a number of features in addition to, or altered from, thefeatures of the control module 704 described below. As described herein,communication with the network manager 780 can include communicatingwith one or more other components (e.g., another light fixture) of thesystem 700. In such a case, the network manager 780 can facilitate suchcommunication.

The power source 795 of the system 700 provides AC mains or some otherform of power to the light fixture 702, as well as to one or more othercomponents (e.g., the network manager 780) of the system 700. The powersource 795 can include one or more of a number of components. Examplesof such components can include, but are not limited to, an electricalconductor, a coupling feature (e.g., an electrical connector), atransformer, an inductor, a resistor, a capacitor, a diode, atransistor, and a fuse. The power source 795 can be, or include, forexample, a wall outlet, an energy storage device (e.g. a battery, asupercapacitor), a circuit breaker, and/or an independent source ofgeneration (e.g., a photovoltaic solar generation system). The powersource 795 can also include one or more components (e.g., a switch, arelay, a controller) that allow the power source 795 to communicate withand/or follow instructions from the user 750, the control module 704,and/or the network manager 780.

The power source 795 can be coupled to the power supply 740 of the lightfixture 702. In this case, the power source 795 includes one or morecommunication links 705 (e.g., electrical conductors), at the distal endof which can be disposed a coupling feature (e.g., an electricalconnector). The power supply 740 of the light fixture 702 can alsoinclude one or more communication links 705 (e.g., electricalconductors, electrical connectors) that complement and couple to thepower source 795. In this way, the AC mains provided by the power source795 is delivered directly to the power supply 740 of the light fixture702.

The one or more optional sensors 760 can be any type of sensing devicethat measure one or more parameters. Examples of types of sensors 760can include, but are not limited to, a passive infrared sensor, aphotocell, a differential pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressuresensor, an air flow monitor, a gas detector, and a resistancetemperature detector. Parameters that can be measured by a sensor 760can include, but are not limited to, movement, occupancy, ambient light,infrared light, temperature within the light fixture housing, andambient temperature. The parameters measured by the sensors 760 can beused by the controller 706 of the control module 704 and/or by one ormore other components (e.g., the power supply 740) of the light fixture702 to operate the light fixture 702.

The controller 706 of the control module 704 can be configured tocommunicate with (and in some cases control) the sensor 760. In someother cases, a sensor 760 can be part of the control module 704, wherethe controller 706 of the control module 704 can be configured tocommunicate with (and in some cases control) the sensor 760. As yetanother alternative, a sensor 760 can be a new device that is added tothe light fixture 702, where the controller 706 of the control module704 is configured to communicate with (and in some cases control) thesensor 760. The controller 706 and a sensor 760 can be coupled to eachother using communication links 705. Each sensor 760 can use one or moreof a number of communication protocols 732 that are known and used bythe control module 704.

The user 750, the network manager 780, the power source 795, and/or thesensors 760 can interact with the control module 704 of the lightfixture 702 using the application interface 726 in accordance with oneor more example embodiments. Specifically, the application interface 726of the control module 704 receives data (e.g., information,communications, instructions, updates to firmware) from and sends data(e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user 750, thenetwork manager 780, the power source 795, and/or each sensor 760. Theuser 750, the network manager 780, the power source 795, and/or eachsensor 760 can include an interface to receive data from and send datato the control module 704 in certain example embodiments. Examples ofsuch an interface can include, but are not limited to, a graphical userinterface, a touchscreen, an application programming interface, akeyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a web service, a data protocol adapter,some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combinationthereof.

The control module 704, the user 750, the network manager 780, the powersource 795, and/or the sensors 760 can use their own system or share asystem in certain example embodiments. Such a system can be, or containa form of, an Internet-based or an intranet-based computer system thatis capable of communicating with various software. A computer systemincludes any type of computing device and/or communication device,including but not limited to the control module 704. Examples of such asystem can include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer with aLocal Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet orintranet access, a laptop computer with LAN, WAN, Internet or intranetaccess, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an android device (orequivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and a personal digital assistant(PDA). Such a system can correspond to a computer system as describedbelow with regard to FIG. 8.

Further, as discussed above, such a system can have correspondingsoftware (e.g., user software, sensor software, controller software,network manager software). The software can execute on the same or aseparate device (e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer(PC), laptop, PDA, television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk,telephone, mobile phone, or other computing devices) and can be coupledby the communication network (e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN,WAN, or other network communication methods) and/or communicationchannels, with wire and/or wireless segments according to some exampleembodiments. The software of one system can be a part of, or operateseparately but in conjunction with, the software of another systemwithin the system 700.

The light fixture 702 can include a light fixture housing. The lightfixture housing can include at least one wall that forms a light fixturecavity. In some cases, the light fixture housing can be designed tocomply with any applicable standards so that the light fixture 702 canbe located in a particular environment. The light fixture housing canform any type of light fixture 702, including but not limited to atroffer light fixture, a down can light fixture, a recessed lightfixture, and a pendant light fixture. The light fixture housing can alsobe used to combine the light fixture 702 with some other device,including but not limited to a ceiling fan, a smoke detector, a brokenglass detector, a garage door opener, and a wall clock.

The light fixture housing of the light fixture 702 can be used to houseor be located proximate to one or more components of the light fixture702, including the control module 704 and one or more sensors 760. Forexample, the control module 704 (which in this case includes thecontroller 706, the isolated driver 707, the communication module 708,the timer 710, the energy metering module 711, the power module 712, thestorage repository 730, the hardware processor 720, the memory 722, thetransceiver 724, the application interface 726, the switches 770, andthe optional security module 728) can be disposed within the cavityformed by the housing of the light fixture 702. In alternativeembodiments, any one or more of these or other components (e.g., asensor 760) of the light fixture 702 can be disposed on or remotely fromthe housing of the light fixture 702.

The control module 704 can include a housing (not shown in FIGS. 7A and7B). Such a housing can include at least one wall that forms a cavity.One or more of the various components (e.g., controller 706, hardwareprocessor 720) of the control module 704 can be disposed within thecavity formed by such a housing. Alternatively, a component of thecontrol module 704 can be disposed on such a housing or can be locatedremotely from, but in communication with, such a housing. As yet anotheralternative, the control module 704 can be a number of discretecomponents that are disposed on a circuit board.

The storage repository 730 can be a persistent storage device (or set ofdevices) that stores software and data used to assist the control module704 in communicating with the user 750, the network manager 780, thepower source 795, and one or more sensors 760 within the system 700. Inone or more example embodiments, the storage repository 730 stores oneor more communication protocols 732, operational protocols 733, andsensor data 734. The communication protocols 732 can be any of a numberof protocols that are used to send and/or receive data between thecontrol module 704 and the user 750, the network manager 780, the powersource 795, and one or more sensors 760. One or more of thecommunication protocols 732 can be a time-synchronized protocol.Examples of such time-synchronized protocols can include, but are notlimited to, a highway addressable remote transducer (HART) protocol, awirelessHART protocol, and an International Society of Automation (ISA)100 protocol. In this way, one or more of the communication protocols732 can provide a layer of security to the data transferred within thesystem 700.

The operational protocols 733 can be any algorithms, formulas, logicsteps, and/or other similar operational procedures that the controller706 of the control module 704 follows based on certain conditions at apoint in time. An example of an operational protocol 733 is directingthe controller 706 to provide power and to cease providing power to thepower supply 740 at pre-set points of time. Another example of anoperational protocol 733 is directing the controller 706 to adjust theamount of power delivered to the power supply 740, thereby acting as adimmer. Yet another example of an operational protocol 733 is toinstruct the controller 706 how and when to tune the color output by oneor more of the light sources 742 of the light fixture 702. Still anotherexample of an operational protocol 733 is to check one or morecommunication links 705 with the network manager 780 and, if acommunication link 705 is not functioning properly, allow the controlmodule 704 to operate autonomously from the rest of the system 700.

As another example of an operational protocol 733, configurations of thecontrol module 704 can be stored in memory 722 (e.g., non-volatilememory) so that the control module 704 (or portions thereof) can operateregardless of whether the control module 704 is communicating with thenetwork manager 780 and/or other components in the system 700. Stillanother example of an operational protocol 733 is identifying an adversecondition or event (e.g., excessive humidity, no pressure differential,extreme pressure differential, high temperature) based on measurementstaken by a sensor 760. In such a case, the controller 706 can notify thenetwork manager 780 and/or the user 750 as to the adverse condition orevent identified. Yet another example of an operational protocol 733 isto have the control module 704 operate in an autonomous control mode ifone or more components (e.g., the communication module 708, thetransceiver 724) of the control module 704 that allows the controlmodule 704 to communicate with another component of the system 700fails.

Sensor data 734 can be any data associated with (e.g., collected by)each sensor 760 that is communicably coupled to the control module 704.A sensor 760 can be newly added or pre-existing as part of the lightfixture 702. Such data can include, but is not limited to, amanufacturer of the sensor 760, a model number of the sensor 760,communication capability of a sensor 760, power requirements of a sensor760, and measurements taken by the sensor 760. Examples of a storagerepository 730 can include, but are not limited to, a database (or anumber of databases), a file system, a hard drive, flash memory, someother form of solid state data storage, or any suitable combinationthereof. The storage repository 730 can be located on multiple physicalmachines, each storing all or a portion of the communication protocols732, the operational protocols 733, and/or the sensor data 734 accordingto some example embodiments. Each storage unit or device can bephysically located in the same or in a different geographic location.

The storage repository 730 can be operatively connected to thecontroller 706. In one or more example embodiments, the controller 706includes functionality to communicate with the user 750, the networkmanager 780, the power source 795, and the sensors 760 in the system700. More specifically, the controller 706 sends information to and/orreceives information from the storage repository 730 in order tocommunicate with the user 750, the network manager 780, the power source795, and the sensors 760. As discussed below, the storage repository 730can also be operatively connected to the communication module 708 incertain example embodiments.

In certain example embodiments, the controller 706 of the control module704 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., thecommunication module 708, the timer 710, the transceiver 724) of thecontrol module 704. For example, the controller 706 can activate thecommunication module 708 when the communication module 708 is in “sleep”mode and when the communication module 708 is needed to send datareceived from another component (e.g., a sensor 760, the user 750) inthe system 700. As another example, the controller 706 can operate oneor more sensors 760 to dictate when measurements are taken by thesensors 760 and when those measurements are communicated by the sensors760 to the controller 706. As another example, the controller 706 canacquire the current time using the timer 710. The timer 710 can enablethe control module 704 to control the light fixture 702 even when thecontrol module 704 has no communication with the network manager 780.

As another example, the controller 706 can check one or morecommunication links 705 between the control module 704 and the networkmanager 780 and, if a communication link 705 is not functioningproperly, allow the control module 704 to operate autonomously from therest of the system 700. As yet another example, the controller 706 canstore configurations of the control module 704 (or portions thereof) inmemory 722 (e.g., non-volatile memory) so that the control module 704(or portions thereof) can operate regardless of whether the controlmodule 704 is communicating with the network controller 780 and/or othercomponents in the system 700.

As still another example, the controller 706 can obtain readings from anadjacent sensor if the sensor 760 associated with the light fixture 702malfunctions, if the communication link 705 (which can includeelectrical conductor 439 and/or coupling feature 459) between the sensor760 and the control module 704 fails, and/or for any other reason thatthe readings of the sensor 760 associated with the light fixture 702fails to reach the control module 704. To accomplish this, for example,the network manager 780 can instruct, upon a request from the controller706, the adjacent sensor 760 to communicate its readings to thecontroller 706 of the control module 704 using communication links 705.

As still another example, the controller 706 can cause the controlmodule 704 to operate in an autonomous control mode if one or morecomponents (e.g., the communication module 708, the transceiver 724) ofthe control module 704 that allows the control module 704 to communicatewith another component of the system 700 fails. Similarly, thecontroller 706 of the control module 704 can control at least some ofthe operation of one or more adjacent light fixtures in the system 700.As yet another example, the controller 706 can provide power and/orcontrol (e.g., 0V-10V), by operating the switches 770 to correspond to aparticular resistance of the resistors 775, to the light sources 742based on instructions received from a user 750 or a network manager 780,and/or based on instructions stored in the storage repository 730.

In some cases, the instructions received by the controller 706 can bewithin a range of voltage (e.g., 0V-10V), where signals within asubrange (e.g., 2V-3V) corresponds to a specific instruction (e.g., openswitches 3 and 4, and close switches 1 and 2). While some examplesprovided herein are in terms of volts, such as the examples above, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a range of currentscan be provided to the light sources 742 by manipulating the switches770 to correspond to a particular resistance of the resistors 775.

As still another example, the controller 706 can determine, using theenergy metering module 711, when power is received from the power supply740. The controller 706 can also determine, using the energy meteringmodule 711, the quality of the power received from the power supply 740.The controller 706 can further determine whether the power source 795,through the power supply 740, is providing any instructions foroperating the light fixture 702.

The controller 706 can provide control, communication, and/or othersimilar signals to the user 750, the network manager 780, the powersource 795, the power supply 740, and one or more of the sensors 760.Similarly, the controller 706 can receive control, communication, and/orother similar signals from the user 750, the network manager 780, thepower source 795, the power supply 740, and one or more of the sensors760. The controller 706 can control each sensor 760 automatically (forexample, based on one or more algorithms stored in the storagerepository 730) and/or based on control, communication, and/or othersimilar signals received from another device through a communicationlink 705. The controller 706 may include a printed circuit board, uponwhich the hardware processor 720 and/or one or more discrete componentsof the control module 704 are positioned.

In certain example embodiments, the controller 706 can include aninterface that enables the controller 706 to communicate with one ormore components (e.g., power supply 740) of the light fixture 702. Forexample, if the power supply 740 of the light fixture 702 operates underIEC Standard 62386, then the power supply 740 can include a digitaladdressable lighting interface (DALI). In such a case, the controller706 can also include a DALI to enable communication with the powersupply 740 within the light fixture 702. Such an interface can operatein conjunction with, or independently of, the communication protocols732 used to communicate between the control module 704 and the user 750,the network manager 780, the power source 795, and the sensors 760.

The controller 706 (or other components of the control module 704) canalso include one or more hardware components and/or software elements toperform its functions. Such components can include, but are not limitedto, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a serialperipheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity (DAC) storagedevice, an analog-to-digital converter, an inter-integrated circuit(I²C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM).

The isolated driver 707 of the control module 704 can be configured toisolate an electrical ground associated with the instructions receivedby the control module 704 from a user 750 and/or the network manager780. In other words, the isolated driver 707 can be used to help preventfaults, surges, false signals, and other adverse conditions that canalter the instructions and/or prevent the control module 704 fromoperating properly.

The isolated driver 707 can include one or more of a number ofcomponents. Such components can include, but are not limited to, acapacitor, a resistor, a transformer, a Zener diode, and a transistor.In certain example embodiments, the isolated driver 707 can be part ofan isolation zone 795 that electrically isolates the switches 770 of thecontrol module 704 from transient signals that could alter theinstructions, thereby causing the one or more of the switches 770 tooperate incorrectly or inconsistently with the instructions provided bya user 750 and/or the network manager 780.

In certain example embodiments, the one or more switches 770 of thecontrol module 704 is used to select one of a number of lumens or otheroutput characteristics (e.g., CCT) of the light fixture 702. Theswitches 770 can be any of a number of types of switches, including butnot limited to one or more DIP switches, one or more SIPP switches, oneor more rocker switches, one or more reed switches, one or more magneticswitches, one or more rotary switches, one or more rotary dials, one ormore selectors or selector switches, one or more slide switches, one ormore snap switches, one or more thumbwheels, one or more toggles ortoggle switches, one or more keys or keypads, one or more buttons orpushbuttons, part of an integrated circuit, logic implemented insoftware, one or more transistors (e.g., MOSFETs), and one or more of anumber of discrete components that are coupled to each other. In otherwords, a switch 770 can be tangible or virtual, and can be a singlediscrete component or a number of components coupled to each other.

As discussed above, the control module 704 can include multiple switches770. A switch can be manually controlled by a user 750. When theposition of a switch 770 is manually controlled, the housing of thelight fixture 702 can have an access panel (e.g., access aperture 129described above) or other similar configuration to allow access by auser 750 to change the position of one or more switches 770. Inaddition, or in the alternative, a switch 770 can be controlled by thecontroller 706 of the control module 704.

When there are multiple switches 770, each switch 770 can be used tocontrol, using the resistors 775, one or more light sources 742 (alsocalled an array of light sources 742) of the light fixture 702. Thecontroller 706 can be coupled to each of the switches 770 usingcommunication links 705 (e.g., electrical conductors, wire traces). Eachswitch 770 has an open position and a closed position. When there aremultiple switches 770, different combinations of positions of thevarious switches 770, which correspond to different resistances of theresistors 775, can alter the lumen output of the light fixture 702.

As shown above with respect to FIG. 5, each switch 770 is coupled tomultiple resistors 775. Each resistor 775 can be a discrete componentwith a known resistance (e.g., 1 kΩ, 5 MΩ). In some cases, a resistor775 can have a variable resistance (e.g., a potentiometer, a variableresistor) that has a user-selectable resistance within a range ofresistances. A resistor 775 that corresponds to a particular combinationof positions of the various switches 770 can be a single resistivecomponent or multiple resistive components that are connected in seriesand/or in parallel with each other. Each selection of a switch 770corresponds to a particular resistance of a downstream resistor 775,which in turn determines the amount of current that flows from the powersupply 740, through the switch 770 and the corresponding resistor 775(based on the configuration of the switch 770), and on to the lightsources 742.

The communication module 708 of the control module 704 determines andimplements the communication protocol (e.g., from the communicationprotocols 732 of the storage repository 730) that is used when thecontroller 706 communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, receivessignals from) the user 750, the network manager 780, the power source795, and/or one or more of the sensors 760. In some cases, thecommunication module 708 accesses the sensor data 734 to determine whichcommunication protocol is used to communicate with the sensor 760associated with the sensor data 734. In addition, the communicationmodule 708 can interpret the communication protocol of a communicationreceived by the control module 704 so that the controller 706 caninterpret the communication.

The communication module 708 can send and receive data between thenetwork manager 780, the power source 795, and/or the users 750 and thecontrol module 704. The communication module 708 can send and/or receivedata in a given format that follows a particular communication protocol732. The controller 706 can interpret the data packet received from thecommunication module 708 using the communication protocol 732information stored in the storage repository 730. The controller 706 canalso facilitate the data transfer between one or more sensors 760 andthe network manager 780, the power source 795, and/or a user 750 byconverting the data into a format understood by the communication module708.

The communication module 708 can send data (e.g., communicationprotocols 732, operational protocols 733, sensor data 734, operationalinformation, error codes, threshold values, algorithms) directly toand/or retrieve data directly from the storage repository 730.Alternatively, the controller 706 can facilitate the transfer of databetween the communication module 708 and the storage repository 730. Thecommunication module 708 can also provide encryption to data that issent by the control module 704 and decryption to data that is receivedby the control module 704. The communication module 708 can also provideone or more of a number of other services with respect to data sent fromand received by the control module 704. Such services can include, butare not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures tofollow in the event of data interruption.

The timer 710 of the control module 704 can track clock time, intervalsof time, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer710 can also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether withor without respect to time. Alternatively, the controller 706 canperform the counting function. The timer 710 is able to track multipletime measurements concurrently. The timer 710 can track time periodsbased on an instruction received from the controller 706, based on aninstruction received from the user 750, based on an instructionprogrammed in the software for the control module 704, based on someother condition or from some other component, or from any combinationthereof.

The timer 710 can be configured to track time when there is no powerdelivered to the control module 704 (e.g., the power module 712malfunctions) using, for example, a super capacitor or a battery backup.In such a case, when there is a resumption of power delivery to thecontrol module 704, the timer 710 can communicate any aspect of time tothe control module 704. In such a case, the timer 710 can include one ormore of a number of components (e.g., a super capacitor, an integratedcircuit) to perform these functions.

The energy metering module 711 of the control module 704 measures one ormore components of power (e.g., current, voltage, resistance, VARs,watts) at one or more points (e.g., output of the power supply 740)associated with the light fixture 702. The energy metering module 711can include any of a number of measuring devices and related devices,including but not limited to a voltmeter, an ammeter, a power meter, anohmmeter, a current transformer, a potential transformer, and electricalwiring. The energy metering module 711 can measure a component of powercontinuously, periodically, based on the occurrence of an event, basedon a command received from the controller 706, and/or based on someother factor.

The power module 712 of the control module 704 provides power to one ormore other components (e.g., timer 710, controller 706) of the controlmodule 704. In addition, in certain example embodiments, the powermodule 712 can provide power to the light sources 742 of the lightfixture 702. The power module 712 can include one or more of a number ofsingle or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode,resistor), and/or a microprocessor. The power module 712 may include aprinted circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or morediscrete components are positioned. In some cases, the power module 712can include one or more components that allow the power module 712 tomeasure one or more elements of power (e.g., voltage, current) that isdelivered to and/or sent from the power module 712.

The power module 712 can include one or more components (e.g., atransformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receivespower (e.g., AC mains) from the power supply 740 and/or some othersource of power (e.g., a battery, a source external to the light fixture702). The power module 712 can use this power to generate power of atype (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V,24V, 120V) that can be used by the other components of the controlmodule 704 and the light sources 742. In addition, or in thealternative, the power module 712 can be a source of power in itself toprovide signals to the other components of the control module 704 and/orthe light sources 742. For example, the power module 712 can be abattery or other form of energy storage device. As another example, thepower module 712 can be a localized photovoltaic solar power system.

In certain example embodiments, the power module 712 of the controlmodule 704 can also provide power and/or control signals, directly orindirectly, to one or more of the sensors 760. In such a case, thecontroller 706 can direct the power generated by the power module 712 tothe sensors 760 and/or the light sources 742 of the light fixture 702.In this way, power can be conserved by sending power to the sensors 760and/or the light sources 742 of the light fixture 702 when those devicesneed power, as determined by the controller 706.

The hardware processor 720 of the control module 704 executes software,algorithms, and firmware in accordance with one or more exampleembodiments. Specifically, the hardware processor 720 can executesoftware on the controller 706 or any other portion of the controlmodule 704, as well as software used by the user 750, the networkmanager 780, the power source 795, the power supply 740, and/or one ormore of the sensors 760. The hardware processor 720 can be an integratedcircuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, SoC, amulti-chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, orother hardware processor in one or more example embodiments. Thehardware processor 720 is known by other names, including but notlimited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-coreprocessor.

In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 720 executessoftware instructions stored in memory 722. The memory 722 includes oneor more cache memories, main memory, and/or any other suitable type ofmemory. The memory 722 can include volatile and/or non-volatile memory.The memory 722 is discretely located within the control module 704relative to the hardware processor 720 according to some exampleembodiments. In certain configurations, the memory 722 can be integratedwith the hardware processor 720.

In certain example embodiments, the control module 704 does not includea hardware processor 720. In such a case, the control module 704 caninclude, as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays(FPGA), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and/orone or more integrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/orother similar devices known in the art allows the control module 704 (orportions thereof) to be programmable and function according to certainlogic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor.Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or similar devices can be used inconjunction with one or more hardware processors 720.

The transceiver 724 of the control module 704 can send and/or receivecontrol and/or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver 724can be used to transfer data between the control module 704 and the user750, the network manager 780, the power source 795, the power supply740, and/or the sensors 760. The transceiver 724 can use wired and/orwireless technology. The transceiver 724 can be configured in such a waythat the control and/or communication signals sent and/or received bythe transceiver 724 can be received and/or sent by another transceiverthat is part of the user 750, the network manager 780, the power source795, the power supply 740, and/or the sensors 760. The transceiver 724can use any of a number of signal types, including but not limited toradio frequency signals and visible light signals.

When the transceiver 724 uses wireless technology, any type of wirelesstechnology can be used by the transceiver 724 in sending and receivingsignals. Such wireless technology can include, but is not limited to,Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking, BLE, Zigbee,and Bluetooth. The transceiver 724 can use one or more of any number ofsuitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) when sendingand/or receiving signals. Such communication protocols can be stored inthe communication protocols 732 of the storage repository 730. Further,any transceiver information for the user 750, the network manager 780,the power source 795, the power supply 740, and/or the sensors 760 canbe part of the communication protocols 732 (or other areas) of thestorage repository 730.

Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 728secures interactions between the control module 704, the user 750, thenetwork manager 780, the power source 795, the power supply 740, and/orthe sensors 760. More specifically, the security module 728authenticates communication from software based on security keysverifying the identity of the source of the communication. For example,user software may be associated with a security key enabling thesoftware of the user 750 to interact with the control module 704.Further, the security module 728 can restrict receipt of information,requests for information, and/or access to information in some exampleembodiments.

As mentioned above, aside from the control module 704 and itscomponents, the light fixture 702 can include one or more sensors 760, apower supply 740, and one or more light sources 742. The sensors 760 aredescribed above. The light sources 742 of the light fixture 702 aredevices and/or components typically found in a light fixture to allowthe light fixture 702 to operate. The light sources 742 emit light usingpower provided by the power supply 740. The light fixture 702 can haveone or more of any number and/or type (e.g., light-emitting diode,incandescent, fluorescent, halogen) of light sources 742. A light source742 can vary in the amount and/or color of light that it emits.

The power supply 740 of the light fixture 702 receives power (alsocalled primary power or AC mains power) from the power source 795. Thepower supply 740 uses the power it receives to generate and providepower (also called final power herein) to the control module 704. Thepower supply 740 can be called by any of a number of other names,including but not limited to a driver, a LED driver, and a ballast. Thepower supply 740 can include one or more of a number of single ormultiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor), and/ora microprocessor. The power supply 740 may include a printed circuitboard, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or more discretecomponents are positioned.

In some cases, the power supply 740 can include one or more components(e.g., a transformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) thatreceives power from the power source 795 and generates power of a type(e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V,120V) that can be used by the control module 704. In addition, or in thealternative, the power supply 740 can be a source of power in itself.For example, the power supply 740 can or include be a battery, alocalized photovoltaic solar power system, or some other source ofindependent power.

While not expressly shown or described herein, the light fixture 702with an example control module 704 can also include one or more of anumber of other components that are not critical to the use of exampleembodiments. Examples of such other components can include, but are notlimited to, a heat sink, an electrical conductor or electrical cable, aterminal block, a lens, a diffuser, a reflector, an air moving device, abaffle, a potting compound, and a circuit board.

As stated above, the light fixture 702 can be placed in any of a numberof environments. In such a case, the housing of the light fixture 702,which includes the example control module 704, can be configured tocomply with applicable standards for any of a number of environments.For example, the light fixture 702 can be rated as a Division 1 or aDivision 2 enclosure under NEC standards. Similarly, the control module704, any of the sensors 760, or other devices communicably coupled tothe light fixture 702 can be configured to comply with applicablestandards for any of a number of environments.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 818 thatimplements one or more of the various techniques described herein, andwhich is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements describedherein pursuant to certain example embodiments. Computing device 818 isone example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing deviceand/or its possible architectures. Neither should computing device 818be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to anyone or combination of components illustrated in the example computingdevice 818.

Computing device 818 includes one or more processors or processing units814, one or more memory/storage components 815, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 816, and a bus 817 that allows the various components anddevices to communicate with one another. Bus 817 represents one or moreof any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus ormemory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and aprocessor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus817 includes wired and/or wireless buses.

Memory/storage component 815 represents one or more computer storagemedia. Memory/storage component 815 includes volatile media (such asrandom access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and soforth). Memory/storage component 815 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM,ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flashmemory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

One or more I/O devices 816 allow a customer, utility, or other user toenter commands and information to computing device 818, and also allowinformation to be presented to the customer, utility, or other userand/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include,but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of outputdevices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., amonitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g.,DMX card), a printer, and a network card.

Various techniques are described herein in the general context ofsoftware or program modules. Generally, software includes routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Animplementation of these modules and techniques are stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitorymedia that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, andnot limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storagemedia”.

“Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computerrecordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used tostore the desired information and which is accessible by a computer.

The computer device 818 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., aLAN, a WAN such as the Internet, the cloud, or any other similar type ofnetwork) via a network interface connection (not shown) according tosome example embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatmany different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer,a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as acell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing systemcapable of executing computer readable instructions), and theaforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known orlater developed, in other example embodiments. Generally speaking, thecomputer system 818 includes at least the minimal processing, input,and/or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreelements of the aforementioned computer device 818 is located at aremote location and connected to the other elements over a network incertain example embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments isimplemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where eachportion of the implementation (e.g., controller 706) is located on adifferent node within the distributed system. In one or moreembodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively,the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory insome example embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to aprocessor with shared memory and/or resources in some exampleembodiments.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill, the textual andillustrated disclosure provided herein supports a wide range ofembodiments and implementations. In some non-limiting exampleembodiments of the disclosure, a luminaire can comprise: a housing; asubstrate disposed in the housing; a first plurality of light emittingdiodes that are mounted to the substrate and that have a first colortemperature; a second plurality of light emitting diodes that aremounted to the substrate and that have a second color temperature; and aplurality of manual switches that are disposed at the housing forpermanently configuring the luminaire to: provide illumination of thefirst color temperature by enabling the first plurality of lightemitting diodes; provide illumination of the second color temperature byenabling the second plurality of light emitting diodes; and provideillumination of a third color temperature that is between the firstcolor temperature and the second color temperature by enabling the firstplurality of light emitting diodes and the second plurality of lightemitting diodes.

In some example embodiments of the luminaire, the housing can comprisean aperture that is configured for emitting area illumination, and thesubstrate is oriented to emit light through the aperture. In someexample embodiments of the luminaire, the plurality of manual switchesare mounted to the substrate. In some example embodiments of theluminaire, the plurality of manual switches are mounted in the housing.In some example embodiments of the luminaire, the plurality of manualswitches are mounted to the housing. In some example embodiments of theluminaire, the plurality of manual switches comprise a dual inline pin(DIP) switch.

In some example embodiments of the luminaire, the plurality of manualswitches provide two switch states, and each of the two switch statesprovides illumination of the third color temperature by enabling thefirst plurality of light emitting diodes and the second plurality oflight emitting diodes. In some example embodiments of the luminaire, thehousing is circular and comprises a lip configured for extending aroundan aperture in a ceiling. In some example embodiments of the luminaire,the housing comprises a wiring port disposed on a side of the housing.In some example embodiments of the luminaire, the housing comprises alight-emitting aperture in which the substrate is disposed.

In some example embodiments, the luminaire further comprises: anaperture disposed at a lower side of the housing; a lens disposed at theaperture for refracting light emitted by the first and second lightemitting diodes; and a reflector that is disposed between the lens andthe light emitting diodes and that is operative to reflect light betweenthe first and second light emitting diodes and the lens. In some exampleembodiments of the luminaire, the housing is circular and comprises alip configured for extending around an aperture in a ceiling. In someexample embodiments of the luminaire, the housing comprises a wiringport disposed on a side of the housing. In some example embodiments ofthe luminaire, the housing forms a cavity associated with the aperture.In some example embodiments of the luminaire, the first and second lightsource are mounted to a substrate that is disposed at an end of thecavity. In some example embodiments, the luminaire further comprises areflector that is disposed in the cavity between the lens and the firstand second light sources, the reflector operative to reflect lightbetween the first and second light sources and the lens.

Technology for providing a configurable a luminaire has been described.Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesedisclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosures are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of this application. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A luminaire comprising: a power supply thatreceives AC mains power from a power source and delivers intermediatepower; and a lumen control module coupled to the power supply, whereinthe lumen control module receives the intermediate power from the powersource, wherein the lumen control module comprises: at least one firstswitch that has multiple positions; and a plurality of resistors coupledto the at least one first switch, wherein each position of the at leastone first switch corresponds to a resistance of the plurality ofresistors, wherein the intermediate power received by the plurality ofresistors is translated to a current level of a plurality of currentlevels based on the resistance; and at least one light source coupled tothe lumen control module, wherein the at least one light source emits alumen output based on the current level received from the lumen controlmodule.
 2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the lumen control modulefurther comprises a controller.
 3. The luminaire of claim 2, wherein thecontroller of the lumen control module selects a position of themultiple positions of the at least one first switch.
 4. The luminaire ofclaim 3, wherein the controller comprises a transceiver, wherein thetransceiver receives instructions from a user, wherein the instructionsdetermine the position of the at least one first switch.
 5. Theluminaire of claim 4, wherein the instructions are received from aremote control.
 6. The luminaire of claim 1, further comprising: asecond switch disposed in parallel with the at least one first switchbetween the power supply and the plurality of resistors.
 7. Theluminaire of claim 1, wherein the at least one first switch is aphysical switch that is manipulated by a user to select the position ofthe at least one switch.
 8. The luminaire of claim 7, wherein the atleast one first switch is disposed within a housing of the luminaire. 9.The luminaire of claim 8, wherein the housing has an access mechanismthat allows the user to access the at least one first switch withoutdisassembling the luminaire.
 10. The luminaire of claim 7, wherein theat least one first switch is disposed on a housing of the luminaire. 11.The luminaire of claim 10, wherein the at least one first switch isremovably coupled to the housing.
 12. The luminaire of claim 7, whereinthe at least one first switch is inaccessible when the luminaire isinstalled.
 13. A lumen control module for controlling lumens output bylight sources of a luminaire, the lumen control module comprising: atleast one switch having a plurality of positions, and a plurality ofresistors coupled to the at least one switch and having a plurality ofresistances, wherein each position of the at least one switchcorresponds to a resistance of the plurality of resistors, wherein theat least one switch is configured to receive power from a power supplyof the luminaire, wherein the plurality of resistors are configured todeliver, using the power received by the at least one switch, a currentlevel of a plurality of current levels to the light sources of theluminaire, wherein the current level is based on the resistance of theplurality of resistors.
 14. The lumen control module of claim 13,further comprising: a controller coupled to the at least one switch,wherein the controller controls the plurality of positions of the atleast one switch.
 15. The lumen control module of claim 14, furthercomprising: a transceiver coupled to the controller, wherein thetransceiver is configured to receive instructions for selecting thelumens output by the light sources of the luminaire.
 16. The lumencontrol module of claim 15, wherein the transceiver communicates usingwireless technology.
 17. The lumen control module of claim 14, furthercomprising: a memory storing a plurality of instructions; and a hardwareprocessor coupled to the memory, wherein the hardware processor executesthe plurality of instructions for the controller.
 18. The lumen controlmodule of claim 13, wherein the plurality of resistors comprises aplurality of discrete resistors coupled in parallel to each other and inseries with the at least one switch.
 19. The lumen control module ofclaim 13, wherein a first resistor and a second resistor of theplurality of resistors are connected in series with each other, whereina third resistor of the plurality of resistors is connected in parallelwith the first resistor.
 20. The lumen control module of claim 13,wherein at least one resistor of the plurality of resistors is avariable resistor.